Respiration pillow

Abstract

A device for face-down, prone respiration comprising a head support made of resilient material having a facial cavity conformable to the contours of a person's face, a plenum cavity in fluid communication with the person's face, a substantially L-shaped support base removably engaged to the head support, a horizontal member of the base engaged underneath the head support and a vertical member of the base engaged to an end of the head support proximate to the facial cavity and in fluid communication with the plenum cavity, the vertical member having at least one air pump intake pathway and at least one exhalation discharge pathway integral to the base whereby air pumped through at least one air pump intake pathway creates a plenum in plenum cavity which is inhaled by person and air exhaled by person is discharged back into plenum cavity and out the at least one exhalation discharge pathway.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a head rest for supporting the head of a user while sleeping and providing a positive air pressure (plenum) environment for respiration.[0002]Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a method of respiratory ventilation used primarily in the treatment of sleep apnea, for which it was first developed. CPAP ventilation is also commonly used for critically ill patients in hospital with respiratory failure, and in newborn infants (neonates). In these patients, CPAP ventilation can prevent the need for endotracheal intubation, or allow earlier extubation. Sometimes patients with neuromuscular diseases use this variety of ventilation as well. Often people with brain injury need these machines, as well as speech therapy to try to compensate for impaired use of the body, including the airway passages.[0003]The CPAP machine was initially used mainly by patients for the treatment of sleep apnea at home, but now is in widesp...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a plenum for face-down, prone respiration.

[0017]Another advantage of the present invention is that air intake and exhalation are oriented forward of the person's head thereby allowing the torso and arms to be unencumbered with air supply conduits, power cables or the like. The person may wrap his or her arms around the sides of the device without interference.

[0018]Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the same support base is interchangeable with a plurality of different head supports. One individual may prefer softer material versus another individual that may prefer material that is firmer. Another individual may prefer their face elevated higher than another. Yet another individual may seek a wider head support while another individual may require one that is narrower. Furthermore, head supports may need periodic cleaning or replacement which is facilitated by the bifurcation of resilient head support and rigid support base.

[0019]Yet another advantage of the present invention is the chemical and / or temperature-resistant construction of the base which enables efficient sanitization. In a hospital setting, the support base may be reusable between patients with the head support replaced between patients. For home users, the support base may be placed into the dishwasher for periodic cleaning. This is a distinct advantage over the prior art as microbial and viral infections occur frequently through respiration. Thus, convenient disinfection of the device constitutes a substantial advancement over the prior art.

Problems solved by technology

This reduces oxygen in the blood and causes arousal from sleep.

Prospective CPAP candidates are often reluctant to use this therapy, since the nose mask and hose to the machine look uncomfortable and clumsy, and the airflow required for some patients can be vigorous.

Some patients adjust to the treatment within a few weeks, others struggle for longer periods, and some discontinue treatment entirely.

These different machines may not be comfortable for all users.

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